Diver on a yellow background 

Fernand Léger’s Diver on a Yellow Background presents us with an intriguing puzzle of human forms and abstract symbols, painted in vibrant colors. The figures, intertwined and seemingly suspended, evoke a sense of both freedom and disorientation. Note the recurring motif of the raised hand. It appears throughout art history: from ancient Egyptian art to Renaissance painting, signifying power, benediction, or supplication. Here, the raised hand seems to reach out, perhaps seeking connection or balance in this chaotic composition. Its meaning is ambiguous, reflective of our complex subconscious desires. The hand reminds me of the "Manus Dei" – the hand of God – a symbol of divine intervention. Such symbols have deep roots in our collective unconscious, evolving and resurfacing across time. The interplay between the abstract and the figurative engages us on a primal level, inviting us to contemplate the human condition. The painting’s vibrant palette and fragmented forms create a dynamic tension, echoing the dynamism of modern life.